In the book of Isaiah, several passages describe the Messiah as the suffering servant of God. Today’s first reading presents this description. Isaiah wrote to people living between the promise and its fulfillment. The expected Messiah would not use force; he would be compassionate to the weak, vulnerable, and spiritually crushed. He would be patient, reject no one, and restore all things. He would be a light to the spiritually blind, and those enslaved or addicted would be set free. In the Gospel, Jesus, the fulfillment of this promise, is anointed at Bethany in preparation for his hour of glorification and sacrificial death. We live between this fulfillment and the parousia, the glorious second coming of Jesus. Through his death and resurrection, we are reconciled with the Father and united with Jesus like the vine and the branches. Our brokenness, anger, and weaknesses can be surrendered to him, allowing his nature and character to flow into us and transform our lives.

Abba Father, may we become more aware of your presence among us. Amen.